Next Year in Networking: Cisco, Juniper and Red Ink

Among the logical, though admittedly remote moves that Cisco could make is to buy Fujitsu's North American optical operations. Analysts say it would be the easiest ticket to the Baby Bell ball. Fujitsu has a roster of big telco customers for its metro optical networking gear, which would bolster Cisco's one-product offering in that field, say observers.

But 2003 won't likely be the year of the high-quality deals, given Cisco's reticence and the continued degradation of all the players.

Says one wag: "If there is a deal, it will probably be along the lines of two drunks, leaning on each other to stay upright."

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